Isra-Mart srl:Fuel cells breathe life into ambulance service's green plans

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Isra-Mart srl news:

Ambulances in Yorkshire could soon be fitted with methanol fuel cells capable of charging batteries for life-saving equipment while the vehicle's engine is switched off, as part of the NHS trust's latest effort to cut fuel consumption.

Alexis Keech, environmental and sustainability manager for Yorkshire Ambulance Service NHS Trust, told BusinessGreen that the trust has kicked off a trial of Antares fuel cells that will allow ambulances to keep onboard equipment fully charged while vehicles wait at accident hotspots.

"We have rapid-response vehicles situated in strategic places around the region at certain times, which help us respond to Category A or life-threatening incidents within eight minutes," she explained. "But these vehicles have to sit there for long periods of time with their engines running to keep the batteries charged up."

Direct methanol fuel cells are traditionally installed in caravans as methanol is considered to be cheaper and safer than its hydrogen alternative and Keech hopes the technology can be successfully transferred to emergency vehicles.

Yorkshire Ambulance Service estimates it could save about a gallon of fuel for every five hours engines are not on "tick-over", saving just over 12kg of carbon dioxide (CO2).

If the six-month trial proves successful when it is completed in June, more of the service's 100 rapid-response vehicles could be fitted with the fuel cells.

The trial is part of the NHS trust's latest efforts to cut CO2 emissions from its ambulance fleet 30 per cent by 2015 against 2007 levels. It is also implementing other initiatives, including teaching eco-driving and using alternative fuels such as electric vehicles and compressed natural gas.

The programme is also motivated by rising fuel prices which have contributed to the ambulance service's budget overspend. Keech said the service will spend £5.5m in the financial year 2010/2011, £500,000 over its £5m budget. Last year it spent £4.6m, £400,000 over its £4.2m budget.

By 2015, Yorkshire Ambulance Service predicts transport alone will account for more than half of its CO2 emissions and more than three quarters of its costs as a result of rising fuel prices.